How do people suffer with haemophilia?
People with haemophilia suffer in various ways due to their condition, which affects their ability to form blood clots. Here are some of the ways haemophilia can impact individuals:
1. Bleeding Episodes: Haemophilia primarily causes excessive and prolonged bleeding. Individuals with haemophilia may experience spontaneous bleeding into their joints, muscles, and other body tissues without any apparent injury. These bleeding episodes can be painful, disabling, and even life-threatening if they occur in critical areas such as the brain or vital organs.
2. Joint Damage: Recurrent bleeding into the joints, known as haemarthrosis, is a common complication of haemophilia. Repeated episodes of bleeding can cause inflammation, damage to cartilage and bone, and progressive joint destruction. This can lead to chronic pain, stiffness, deformity, and impaired mobility.
3. Muscle Damage: Bleeding into muscles can cause pain, swelling, and weakness. Severe muscle bleeding can lead to compartment syndrome, a condition where the pressure within the muscle compartment becomes too high and restricts blood flow. This can cause tissue damage and permanent muscle dysfunction.
4. Internal Bleeding: Haemophilia can lead to internal bleeding in the brain, digestive tract, or other organs. Internal bleeding can cause symptoms such as headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or signs of shock. Severe internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
5. Pain: Haemophilia-related pain can be significant, especially during and after bleeding episodes. Pain can affect daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life.
6. Psychological Impact: Living with haemophilia can be psychologically challenging. Individuals may experience anxiety, depression, fear of injury, and social isolation due to their condition.
7. Treatment Burden: Haemophilia requires ongoing treatment, which can be demanding. Regular infusions of clotting factor concentrates are necessary to prevent or control bleeding episodes. This treatment can be time-consuming, invasive, and can interfere with daily activities.
8. Risk of Infections: Individuals with haemophilia who receive clotting factor concentrates may be at increased risk of viral infections, such as hepatitis B and C, if the blood products are not properly screened or treated.
9. Financial Hardships: Haemophilia treatment can be expensive, and the financial burden of managing the condition can be substantial for individuals and families.
10. Limited Lifespan: In severe cases of haemophilia, recurrent bleeding and complications can significantly impact life expectancy. Although modern treatments have improved the prognosis for people with haemophilia, the condition can still pose significant health risks.